SLB and Eni announce alliance for vibroacoustic pipeline integrity monitoring and analysis

SLB and Eni, through its subsidiary Enivibes, have announced an alliance to deploy e-vpms (Eni Vibroacoustic Pipeline Monitoring System) technology, an innovative vibroacoustic wave detection system capable of providing real-time analysis, monitoring and leak detection for pipelines around the world.

Enivibes will bring the new proprietary pipeline integrity technology to the global market through SLB’s industry-leading digital expertise and operations in more than 100 countries. The e-vpms technology can be retrofitted to any pipeline, regardless of age, providing immediate integrity data essential for maintaining a network’s continually reliable operation, the companies said in a statement.

The alliance covers the deployment of e-vpms technology for pipelines transporting liquid hydrocarbons and produced water and enables the detection of product loss attributable to external events such as attempted product theft or accidental impact, corrosion related leak events, and land movement events caused by earthquakes or landslides, SLB said.

“The e-vpms technology will equip operators with the ability to extract real-time data from even their oldest assets,” said Ziad Jeha, business line director, Midstream Production Systems at SLB. “Operators will be able to receive reliable and specific real-time information, allowing for focused and timely responses, especially in instances of an environmental nature.”  

With a 76% stake by Eni, 16% by Aresys and 8% by Solgeo, Enivibes is the first venture established in March 2023 as part of the activities of Eniverse, the Corporate Venture Builder that enhances the value of Eni's proprietary technology through the identification, creation and development of high-potential startups that explore new markets, promoting just transition and creating short-medium term value.